Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Joy to drive - 2006 Ford Escape
  By H. Graf - January 21 - 4:53 am

  My wife and I have owned the 2006 Escape for three months and broke it in on a 1800 trip up to the Pacific Northwest during the holidays. The weather was awful, but it gave us an opportunity to test this vehicle under stress conditions -- hard rain, wind, fog, bad pavement, etc. It responded well with the situation, especially in heavy traffic during storm activity, when other cars unexpectedly stopped or abruptly turned in front of you. The mileage was quite good in such an adverse weather condition -- about as high as 27-28 mpg.

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  Extreme Fun! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Stryford - January 21 - 2:00 am

  My ZTS is amazingly fun to drive! Ive owned several cars over the years, but the Focus is the best handling car Ive ever owned. It handles as well, or better, than many European cars. For a small car, the interior is very roomy and comfortable. The seat height adjustment with the tilt and telescoping steering wheel really makes finding the right seating position easy. I would definitely recommend a Focus if you want a small, dependable, great handling car. I have test driven a Dodge Neon, a Honda Civic, and a Mazda Protege, and only the Mazda comes close to the complete small car package of the Ford Focus. As if you couldnt tell, I love my car!

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  GET FOCUSED - 2004 Ford Focus
  By TWEDER8002 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS AN EXCELENT CAR. I WOULD RECOMENED IT TO ANYONE. THE REST OF THE SVT LINE OF CARS ARE ALSO AWESOME LOOK OUT FOR THE 2005 LIGHTINING NEW DESIGN 500 HORSES AND 550 ft/Lbs TORQUE. THE SVT FOCUS IS THE FUNEST CAR IVE EVER DRIVEN

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  ford t bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By samantha12 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  design flaw . .drivers seat belt flips back to nick the chrome side panel as well as black interiot . .have seen this problem on several. rag top up gives more visibility . rear view mirrow at night not great should have compass in mirror . cruise control hard to put on . .button in awkward spot . hard to put hardtop on if single person . need 2 people . overpriced for what you get . . dealer really scams with addons . etch glass, etc. can be done free at PD.

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  Ford Ranger XLT LB 4WD - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Dale Gould - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I really like this truck I have owned it for ver a year, I cant find anyting really wrong with it. To pick it apart I would recomand anyone to buy the 4.0 it gets the same gas milage as the 3.0, I would also add an extra 2 inches of leg room. However I have been very saticfied and it had convinced me that my next purchase will be a F 150

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  Love Tweety - 2004 Ford Escape
  By liltx - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I do enjoy driving it. I travel alone a lot and works wonders for me.

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  Escape from the Durango - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Flukezilla - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my 2004 Ford Escape Limited and love it!!! I bought it on 12/05, the day of the Snow Storm in the northeast. It took us 4 hours to drive 45 miles but I felt confident in the handling and performance. We were looking at the Dodge Durango and could not get over how much fuel it burns. GAS HOG!!! We felt $200 a month in gas might be a bad idea. I am not 100% trilled about the gas mileage of any SUV but I feel as if this is the best of the size. I was also pleased with the overall quality of the vehicle. As far as price, the Escape Limited was a full $8000 less than a fully loaded 2004 Durango. I highly recommend this SUV.

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  MARS TRUCK - 2004 Ford Escape
  By MARLENE - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY ESCAPE, HAVENT HAD TO TRY OUT THE 4WD YET THOUGH, AND I LIVE IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK....NO SNOW HERE YET!! TAKEN MY TRUCK ON A COUPLE OF TRIPS, WITH THE SEAT OR SEATS DOWN THERES LOT OF ROOM FOR LUGGAGE. (and golf clubs!!)

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  Love It! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Fatal434 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Although I just recently purchased my vehicle a few weeks ago. I am very, very, very pleased with it. I previously drove a 2000 Plymouth Breeze and the Escape gets the same amount of gas!!! The only thing that I miss from my old car is the fact that the doors automatically lock. Every other thing about this car I love. Dont think twice about purchasing one however do your best to try to negotiate on a final vehicle price.

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  Happy in my Escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By klpgolf17 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  For a 20 year old first time car, I love this vehicle. It is a lot more than I could have asked for. Was considering a Jeep Liberty but greatful I walked upon this car!